WGU D311 Microbiology Comprehensive Study Guide on Prokaryotic
and Eukaryotic Cell Structures with Detailed Notes, Gram Positive
and Gram Negative Cell Wall Differences, Endospore Formation and
Function, Viral Structure and Capsid Types, Fungal Classification and
Mycoses, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota Characteristics,
Microsporidia and Zygomycota Overview, Ribosome Differences,
Genetic Elements and Plasmids, Pathogen Identification, High Yield
Exam Concepts, Complete Exam Questions Verified and Provided
with Complete A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
What are the two categories of prokaryotic cells?
Bacteria and Archaea
What structures are only found in eukaryotic cells?
Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, vesicles,
lysosomes, membranous tubules, sacs and flattened disks, lamina
List the structures only found in prokaryotic cells and define their function.
Flagellum (movement), Pili (adhesion), Plasmid (genetic exchange), Capsule/slime layer
(protection and adhesion), Cell wall (prevents bursting), Cell membrane (selectively
permeable transport)
What is the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell walls?
,Gram-positive: thick peptidoglycan layer (60-90%), contains lipoteichoic acids. Gram-negative:
thin peptidoglycan layer (10-20%), has an outer membrane and periplasmic space.
Describe the structure and function of endospores.
Endospores protect the bacterial genome in a dormant state from unfavorable conditions.
Vegetative cells are actively growing and do not contain endospores.
List the structures found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and define their function.
Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA, chromosomes, plasmids
How are bacterial ribosomes different from eukaryotic ribosomes?
Bacterial ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.
What is a capsid?
A capsid is the protein shell that surrounds a virus's genetic material.
What is the difference between a naked and an enveloped virus?
Naked virus: has only a capsid. Enveloped virus: has a lipid layer surrounding the capsid.
What is an illness caused by fungi called?
Mycosis
,What do we call multicellular fungi?
Hyphae
What do we call unicellular fungi?
Yeast
What is a dimorphic fungus?
A fungus that can exist as either a single cell or multicellular form.
What are the characteristics of Ascomycota?
Sac-like structures, septate hyphae, asci with ascospores in ascocarp.
What types of fungi are included in Ascomycota?
Cup fungi, morels, truffles, and edible mushrooms.
What is the significance of Neurospora and Aspergillus in Ascomycota?
Neurospora is used in penicillin production; Aspergillus includes species that can cause
disease.
, What are the characteristics of Basidiomycota?
Club-like structures, basidia produce basidiospores in a basidiocarp.
What types of fungi are included in Basidiomycota?
Club fungi, rusts, stinkhorns, puffballs, and mushrooms.
What are the characteristics of Microsporidia?
Lack mitochondria, peroxisomes, and centrioles; spores produce a polar tub.
What are the characteristics of Zygomycota?
Mainly saprophytes, coenocytic hyphae, haploid nuclei, and zygospores.
What is the main pathogen associated with guinea worm disease?
D. medinensis.
How is guinea worm disease transmitted?
By consuming contaminated water with water fleas containing nematode larvae.
What are the two main groups of non-fungal pathogens?
and Eukaryotic Cell Structures with Detailed Notes, Gram Positive
and Gram Negative Cell Wall Differences, Endospore Formation and
Function, Viral Structure and Capsid Types, Fungal Classification and
Mycoses, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota Characteristics,
Microsporidia and Zygomycota Overview, Ribosome Differences,
Genetic Elements and Plasmids, Pathogen Identification, High Yield
Exam Concepts, Complete Exam Questions Verified and Provided
with Complete A+ Graded Answers Latest Updated 2026
What are the two categories of prokaryotic cells?
Bacteria and Archaea
What structures are only found in eukaryotic cells?
Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, vesicles,
lysosomes, membranous tubules, sacs and flattened disks, lamina
List the structures only found in prokaryotic cells and define their function.
Flagellum (movement), Pili (adhesion), Plasmid (genetic exchange), Capsule/slime layer
(protection and adhesion), Cell wall (prevents bursting), Cell membrane (selectively
permeable transport)
What is the difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell walls?
,Gram-positive: thick peptidoglycan layer (60-90%), contains lipoteichoic acids. Gram-negative:
thin peptidoglycan layer (10-20%), has an outer membrane and periplasmic space.
Describe the structure and function of endospores.
Endospores protect the bacterial genome in a dormant state from unfavorable conditions.
Vegetative cells are actively growing and do not contain endospores.
List the structures found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and define their function.
Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA, chromosomes, plasmids
How are bacterial ribosomes different from eukaryotic ribosomes?
Bacterial ribosomes are 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80S.
What is a capsid?
A capsid is the protein shell that surrounds a virus's genetic material.
What is the difference between a naked and an enveloped virus?
Naked virus: has only a capsid. Enveloped virus: has a lipid layer surrounding the capsid.
What is an illness caused by fungi called?
Mycosis
,What do we call multicellular fungi?
Hyphae
What do we call unicellular fungi?
Yeast
What is a dimorphic fungus?
A fungus that can exist as either a single cell or multicellular form.
What are the characteristics of Ascomycota?
Sac-like structures, septate hyphae, asci with ascospores in ascocarp.
What types of fungi are included in Ascomycota?
Cup fungi, morels, truffles, and edible mushrooms.
What is the significance of Neurospora and Aspergillus in Ascomycota?
Neurospora is used in penicillin production; Aspergillus includes species that can cause
disease.
, What are the characteristics of Basidiomycota?
Club-like structures, basidia produce basidiospores in a basidiocarp.
What types of fungi are included in Basidiomycota?
Club fungi, rusts, stinkhorns, puffballs, and mushrooms.
What are the characteristics of Microsporidia?
Lack mitochondria, peroxisomes, and centrioles; spores produce a polar tub.
What are the characteristics of Zygomycota?
Mainly saprophytes, coenocytic hyphae, haploid nuclei, and zygospores.
What is the main pathogen associated with guinea worm disease?
D. medinensis.
How is guinea worm disease transmitted?
By consuming contaminated water with water fleas containing nematode larvae.
What are the two main groups of non-fungal pathogens?
